Board directs administration to prepare reductions and positions for possible cuts ahead of fall referendum

The Cannon Falls Area Schools board passed a resolution directing the superintendent and administration to develop recommendations for discontinuing or curtailing programs and positions as needed to reduce expenditures and adjust for reduced enrollment or a failed referendum. The board explained that the timing is earlier than the customary December or January cycle to ensure residents see what would be cut before a public vote. The presenter told board members the administration will bring back a dollar figure in August that reflects the likely reduction level, and that specific cuts would be fit to that number and returned to the board in September so they could be publicized prior to any vote. Action: The resolution directing administration to consider discontinuance or curtailment of programs and positions passed. The motion's adoption recorded: Julie seconded; roll-call confirmations later in the meeting included affirmative votes recorded as "Randy? Yes. Jody? Yes. Pete? Yes. Myself is a yes." The board adopted the resolution as read. Why it matters: Moving the timeline forward is intended to give the community transparency about potential program and personnel cuts ahead of a referendum, allowing residents to weigh the choices before voting. Next steps: Administration will develop proposed reduction amounts and return to the board in August for approval of the recommended figure and in September with specific proposed cuts to be enacted unless the referendum provides alternative revenue.